Physicians, also called internal Medicine Specialists or Internists, play a very important role in the Kenyan healthcare system. Their specialization entails diagnosing and treating diseases of adult internal organs and body systems and preventing them. These doctors can practice as general physicians or take one or more sub-specialties, which we shall look at in this article. However, it is important to note that physicians do not perform surgeries.
Diseases and conditions treated by physicians.
Examples of conditions and diseases managed by physicians are: –
- Diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels, for example, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart enlargement, and disease of heart valves.
- Diseases and conditions of the chest and the respiratory system, for example, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and bronchitis.
- Diseases and conditions of the endocrine system, for example, diabetes and metabolic disorders, diseases of the thyroid, endocrine cancers, and tumors.
- Diseases of the digestive system and the liver, for example, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) infection, constipation, and chronic diarrhea.
- Diseases and conditions of the blood, for example, anemia, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, leukemia, myeloma, and lymphomas.
- Diseases and conditions of the immune system, for example, allergic rhinitis, asthma, lupus, multiple sclerosis, severe allergic reactions to medicines, foods, and other allergens, and contact dermatitis.
- Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, Influenza, measles, and meningitis.
- Diseases and conditions of the kidneys, for example, kidney stones, polycystic kidney disease, and glomerulonephritis.
- Diseases and conditions of the nervous system, for example, stroke, multiple sclerosis, meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumors, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Diseases and conditions of joints, muscles, and bones, including inflammatory and autoimmune ones. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis, and gout.
- Tropical diseases, for example, malaria, intestinal worms, trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Leishmaniasis, and amoebiasis.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections, for example, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, chancroid, chlamydia, and genital warts.
Education and training requirements for physicians
To become a Physician, one is required to complete a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or its equivalent from a recognized university in Kenya or elsewhere. This training takes 6 to 7 years, depending on the University. After a bachelor’s degree, one completes a 1-year mandatory internship in a Ministry of Health-approved hospital and then gets registered as a Medical Officer (General Practitioner). Later, one must enroll for a Master of Medicine (MMED) specializing in Internal Medicine, a training that takes a minimum of 3 years to graduate. To be recognized as a Physician after graduating with a Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine), one must gain two years of experience.
Physicians (Internal Medicine) subspecialties
Physicians can choose one or more of the 15 subspecialties recognized by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC). A physician must enroll for sub-specialty training, which takes at least six months to complete. To be recognized as a subspecialist, one must have 1-year experience. Physician subspecialties are: –
- Cardiology-Specializes in diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels. This subspecialist is called a cardiologist.
- Chest & Respiratory Medicine (Pulmonology) – Specializes in chest and respiratory system diseases. This subspecialist is called a pulmonologist.
- Critical Care– Work in a hospital set up to manage patients needing intensive care. These subspecialists are called Intensivists or critical care specialist.
- Diabetology – Specializes in the management of diabetes. This subspecialist is called a diabetologist.
- Endocrinology – Specializes in diseases of the endocrine system, including diabetes. This specialist is called an endocrinologist.
- Gastroenterology– Specializes in the diseases of the digestive system. This subspecialist is called a gastroenterologist.
- Geriatric Medicine– Specializes in the diseases of the elderly (persons 65 years and above). This subspecialist is called a geriatrician.
- Haematology– Specializes in the diseases and disorders of the blood. This subspecialist is called a haemotologist.
- Immunology – Specializes in the diseases of the immune system. This subspecialist is called an immunologist.
- Infectious Diseases– Specializes in infectious diseases. This subspecialist is called an infectious diseases specialist.
- Nephrology– Specializes in the diseases of the kidneys. This subspecialist is called a nephrologist.
- Neurology – Specializes in the diseases of the nervous system. This subspecialist is called a neurologist.
- Rheumatology– Specializes in diseases and conditions of joints, muscles, and bones, including inflammatory and autoimmune ones. This subspecialist is called a rheumatologist.
- Tropical Diseases– Specializes in Tropical diseases. This subspecialist is called a tropical diseases specialist.
- Venereology-Specializes in venereal diseases (sexually transmitted Infections/diseases). This subspecialist is called a venereologist.
Where can I find a physician?
Physicians practice their trade in private clinics, privately owned medical centres, Private Hospitals, Mission Hospitals, and Public Health Hospitals. You can find the physician near you by clicking here.
Summary
Physicians play a vital role in healthcare, offering comprehensive care to adults and managing complex medical conditions with precision and compassion. Physicians do not work in silos but rather work with other specialties of doctors and other cadres for the provision of quality healthcare and better outcome.
Related Specialists
A physician is closely related to a family physician and a pediatrician.
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